The arrival of Black Friday leads to a whirlwind of shopping activities full of exciting opportunities and challenges. To help you make the most out of the deals, this guide will take you through the pros and cons of Black Friday, as well as answer some common questions about this shopping event.
Whether you’re a savvy shopper or a first-timer, understanding these key points can change your Black Friday experience from overwhelming to enjoyable. Let’s dive in!
7 Advantages of Black Friday
Black Friday is one of the biggest shopping events, with nearly 190 million buyers joining last year. This number alone shows how Black Friday benefits us in many ways. Let’s start with the most undeniable advantages of this shopping event:
Unbeatable Deals
The most apparent benefit of Black Friday is the opportunity to save a lot of money on various products. Compared to other well-known shopping festivals such as Christmas sale and Prime Day, Black Friday stands out with deep discounts on different categories.
Whether you are looking for electronics, appliances, clothing, furniture, or anything else, you can find amazing discounts and offers on Black Friday. Some of the best deals from this year include:
- Amazon: Apple iPad Mini (6th Generation) for $399.99 (Save $99)
- Walmart: $303 off on LG C2 Series 65-inch Class OLED EVO Smart TV
- Best Buy: GE Profile Washer/Dryer for $2199.99 (Save $700)
- Target: $40 off on Barbie Dreamhouse Pool Party Doll House with 3-Story Slide
- Nordstrom: Guess Hooded Solid Puffer Men’s Jacket from $41.98 (Save $183.02)
- Samsung: Samsung 23-Cubic-Foot Bespoke Counter Depth Flex Fridge for $3099 (Save $1900)
But there are more: You can also find bundle deals, free gifts, and coupons to make your shopping experience even more rewarding. Black Friday is the perfect time to buy the items you have been eyeing for a long time or stock up on essentials for the upcoming year.
Informed Shopping Choices
Here is another critical benefit of Black Friday. Retailers always focus on advertising efforts in the weeks leading up to the event. They release detailed catalogs and ads through various media channels. These resources are filled with information about the products on sale, allowing shoppers to make well-informed decisions.
As a result, shoppers have time to compare prices of different retailers and get the best deal available. Also, by knowing what will be on sale and for how much, you can allocate your funds more efficiently, prioritizing purchases that offer the most value.
Social Shopping Experience
The social aspect of Black Friday shopping also benefits shoppers, especially in today’s digital world. For many, this event is an eagerly expected annual tradition, offering a unique chance to bond with friends and family while hunting for holiday gifts.
Moreover, shopping in a group provides emotional support and collective decision-making. Friends can offer advice on purchases, help weigh the pros and cons of a deal, and provide honest support during the sometimes stressful moments of Black Friday shopping.
It’s not just about getting deals; it’s also about the shared experience of shopping with friends or family. This communal factor transformed Black Friday from a shopping excursion into a memorable event.
Entertainment Value
The entertainment value of Black Friday is about the entire process and the excitement it brings. From the start, the build-up to Black Friday comes with expectations. Watching for new ads, planning strategies with friends, and marking the date on the calendar are simple acts that add to the hype.
There’s a distinct satisfaction in successfully getting the deals you’ve been eyeing. This success brings a sense of achievement and joy, like winning a game or completing a challenge.
Finally, the festive atmosphere that surrounds Black Friday contributes to its entertainment value. The holiday decorations, the music, and the general buzz create an environment charged with excitement and fun, adding to the day’s enjoyment.
Employment Opportunities
Retailers often hire additional staff to handle the increased workload during the Black Friday season. For many retail employees, this is a time to earn extra income.
Furthermore, working during busy shopping days can be a valuable learning experience. This experience can be an excellent addition to a resume, especially for those starting in retail or customer service roles.
Beyond traditional retail roles, Black Friday also creates jobs in other sectors. E-commerce, security, warehousing, and logistics see a rise in hiring. These roles cater to diverse skills and interests, broadening the employment landscape.
Boosting Small Business Visibility
With the increased shopping traffic, local and small-scale retailers have a chance to showcase their unique products and services. Many consumers, aware of the importance of supporting local economies, seek out small businesses during this time, leading to increased traffic and sales.
Many small businesses use Black Friday to ramp up their marketing efforts, especially on social media platforms. By engaging with local communities online and offering special deals, they can effectively compete with larger stores and attract a broader customer base.
Convenient Online Shopping
The best thing about Black Friday is it has both online and offline deals. For those who prefer to stay away from the Black Friday craze, online shopping is a peaceful alternative. It allows shoppers to avoid long queues and crowded spaces, shopping comfortably from their homes.
But that’s not more: Online shopping on Black Friday opens up a broader range of products and retailers that might not be accessible locally. That means more choices and a higher chance of finding what you desire.
5 Disadvantages of Black Friday
Besides the 7 pros mentioned above, Black Friday also has potential cons that we must be aware of. Here are 5 main disadvantages of the biggest shopping day:
Misleading Discounts and Offers
As stated in our last blog about why Black Friday is bad, the allure of massive discounts can sometimes be deceptive on this event. Retailers may artificially inflate prices in the days or weeks leading up to the event, only to apply a ‘discount’ that brings the item back to its original price or slightly lower. This tactic creates the illusion of significant savings, misleading shoppers into thinking they’re getting a better deal than they are.
For example, according to a BBC News report, a Zanussi washing machine at John Lewis was advertised as ‘discounted’ to £309 on Black Friday. Still, customers could have bought it for £60 cheaper at £249 five months before and for £289 within just a month after.
To avoid this, shoppers must become savvy researchers. That means not just looking at the Black Friday price but also tracking the item’s price history.
Overspending
Black Friday marketing heavily emphasizes emotions, creating a sense of urgency with phrases like “once in a lifetime” or “limited time offer.” It can trigger impulsive buying, leading shoppers to purchase things they don’t need or haven’t planned to buy.
According to Experian, about 60% of Americans typically spend too much during the holiday season. To avoid this and make informed shopping choices, set a strict budget. Before Black Friday arrives, it’s wise to assess your finances and how much you can spend without breaking the bank.
Also, make a clear shopping list and stick to it to have a clear boundary against the lure of unplanned spending.
Crowds and Long Queues – Shopping Violence
One of the most notorious features of Black Friday is the massive crowds that flock to stores. These large crowds can create a chaotic and overwhelming shopping environment. For some shoppers, this can be a source of stress and anxiety, turning a shopping trip into an ordeal.
In extreme cases, dense crowds even pose safety risks. In 2011, a woman in California used pepper spray on other Walmart customers to get an advantage in grabbing discounted video games. She injured at least 20 people, some of whom had to be taken to the hospital.
To manage this issue, follow these tips:
- Arrive at stores in the early hours to beat the rush
- Target less popular stores that might be less crowded
- Opt to shop in groups to navigate the crowds more effectively or to secure spots in long lines.
Pressure on Retail Workers
As cited above, Black Friday is one of the most demanding times of the year for retail employees. Therefore, workers often face extended shifts, sometimes with few breaks. It might lead to exhaustion and burnout, especially when dealing with high customer demand and the stress of keeping everything running smoothly.
We, as shoppers, should acknowledge the hard work and long hours of retail employees. Simple acts of kindness and patience will ease the pressure on workers and create a more positive atmosphere for everyone involved.
Potential Harm to Small Business
For small businesses, besides the benefits mentioned earlier, Black Friday presents a complex challenge. Big stores often have the financial cushion to slash prices steeply and gain the profit margin hit, which many small businesses lack. This disparity places smaller retailers at a competitive disadvantage and makes them struggle to attract customers.
Another burden for small businesses is the limitation in marketing and advertising budgets. For some small shops, the cost of preparing for Black Friday can even outweigh the benefits.
Despite these challenges, small businesses found their solutions:
- Focus on niche markets, offer unique products, and focus on quality and customer service to attract buyers who value these aspects over steep discounts.
- Build a strong online presence to reach a wider audience and partake in the online shopping surge.
- Build long-term customer relationships and create a loyal customer base.
FAQs
What are the negatives of Black Friday?
The negatives of Black Friday include:
1. There are misleading discounts and offers, where perceived deals may not offer real value.
2. Overspending is a common issue, as numerous sales tempt customers and lead them to buy unnecessary items.
3. Crowded stores and long queues make shopping stressful and sometimes unsafe.
4. Retail workers face high pressure with extended hours and increased customer demand.
5. Competing with large retailers' deep discounts is a financial challenge for small businesses.What makes Black Friday attractive to shoppers?
Black Friday's attractiveness lies in its unparalleled discounts and deals, which are often the most aggressive of the year. It is an opportunity to buy high-value items at reduced prices. For many, this event is also a great time to go shopping with friends and family, along with the thrill of finding bargains.
How long do Black Friday sales typically last?
Traditionally, Black Friday sales happened on one day – the Friday after Thanksgiving. However, it has expanded recently, with some starting as early as Thanksgiving Day or earlier in the week. Additionally, many retailers extend their sales through the weekend, creating a 'Black Friday week.'
Is Black Friday a sustainable marketing strategy?
No, Black Friday isn't always a sustainable marketing strategy. This shopping event leads to a lot of waste and overbuying, harming the environment. It's often not profitable for many stores as it cuts their earnings and can harm their brand.
Also, consumers are becoming more eco-friendly and don't like the negative aspects of Black Friday. They're choosing brands that match their values and are turning to other shopping days that offer better deals and variety.
As we wrap up the pros and cons of Black Friday, remember to shop wisely, support local businesses, and, most importantly, enjoy the experience. Happy shopping!
